Mary Letter Day Twenty

1 For God alone my soul in silence waits;

from him comes my salvation.

2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my stronghold, 

so that I shall not be greatly shaken. 

3 How long will you assail me to crush me,

all of you together, * 

as if you were a leaning fence, a toppling wall?

4 They seek only to bring me down

from my place of honor; 

lies are their chief delight. 

5 They bless with their lips, 

but in their hearts they curse. 

6 For God alone my soul in silence waits;

truly, my hope is in him. 

7 He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken. 

8 In God is my safety and my honor;

God is my strong rock and my refuge. 

9 Put your trust in him always, O people, 

pour out your hearts before him, 

for God is our refuge. 

 Psalm 62:1-9

Dear Auntie,

I have been very discouraged these past few days. Joseph has made little headway in getting an appointment to register and pay his taxes. He has been trying so hard and waiting so long. He hates to leave me alone all day long but often returns with food already prepared so we can sit down together and eat. I am so big I really don't feel like eating very much. There's no room left! And to top it off, I had some pains! It's too early! I want to be home with Mama and Papa! I will not tell my parents any of this because I do not want to frighten or worry them.

Today, while Joseph was out, Rachel from the inn came to check on me. She has been so kind and concerned; I told her about the pain I have been having. She quickly rushed to a neighbor's house and brought the local wise woman. Before I knew what was happening, the wise woman was examining me, everywhere! She was gentle and kind, wrinkled all over, with a smile that lights up everyone. She was almost jubilant when she told me the baby is coming any day now, maybe even tonight! I started crying so loud the chickens and other birds flew out of the barn. Rachel and the wise woman got me calmed down and promised me they would be with me and help me through it.

Oh, Elizabeth, I so want to be home now. The city smells and is so loud. I ache for the quiet of our village and my family. I have been taking your advice and reciting the psalms of King David. It has helped me to calm down. Yet, I wish I was stronger and more faithful. I will do whatever the Lord asks, but some days, like today, I really don't feel prepared or capable. Joseph will be back soon, and I'll share the news. I think it will only make him more worried. I hope he won't be upset with me and I hope the little one is okay. He's been very quiet lately, and I suppose there is not much room to move around at all. Pray for us, Auntie, we really need it!

Love Mary